Kimberly Ortengren started Wallace James Clothing Company in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood with the hope of inspiring confidence in new and existing designers to make clothing right here in Maine. She understood the challenge independent designers faced to produce apparel, and wanted to create an incubator-like space that would allow them to take their concepts and… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Success Stories
The Francis – Portland, Maine
When Jeff Harder and Nate Delois had an opportunity to purchase the historic Mellen E Bolster House at 747 Congress Street in Portland they had a vision of what it could become. The home was built in 1881 and had beautiful features and design. That vision has become The Francis hotel, a 15 room boutique hotel in Portland’s West… Read more »
Creative Signs & Apparel – Rumford, Maine
The couple had already started work with the seller, who was supportive of the pair purchasing the business. In order to complete the sale though, they needed to loan. Their loan officer at Franklin Savings Bank sent them to Business Advisor Jane Mickeriz for assistance completing their loan package.
Cityside by E&S Auto Repair – Scarborough, Maine
After two years in business, Sukhi Singh, co-owner of E&S Auto Repair in Scarborough, came to the Maine SBDC looking for help to grow his business. Him and his business partner Edwin Zukic had been working out of a leased three bay garage and were quickly running into two main problems – rent was relatively… Read more »
Island Dog Brewing – South Portland, Maine
Jim Denz’s passion for brewing started in 1994, when he began making his own beer in the basement of his home. Before long, he was the go-to beer supplier for friends and family, producing three different beers. Jim began visiting local craft breweries, exploring the craft beer industry and imagining what it would be like… Read more »
Mill Cove Baking Company – Portland, Maine
When Nina Murray decided she wanted to start her own bakery making homemade crackers, she gave herself plenty of time to do it right. She came in to the Maine SBDC at the University of Southern Maine in Portland and met with Business Advisor Peter Harriman who advised her on many steps of starting and running a successful business.
Joe Lane Lobsterman – Damariscotta, Maine
After taking the summer of 2016 off, this couple saw an opportunity to reopen their restaurant in a more permanent location. In order to do this, the couple needed to transform the space into a restaurant and purchase the necessary equipment for a commercial kitchen. They turned to Maine SBDC Business Advisor David Hill for assistance in obtaining financing with hopes of opening the restaurant in early summer 2017, which was a little over 2 months away.
Integrity Services of Maine – Poland, Maine
Bill Bouchard of Poland has 20 years experience in the HVAC industry. After years as a technician, supervisor and project manager with the largest HVAC service company in Southern Maine, Bouchard wanted to start his own business. While he had all the necessary licensing and experience, he needed assistance in getting his business started and turned to Larry Giroux, a certified business advisor with the Maine SBDC at AVCOG in Auburn.
Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. – Bath, Maine
Since 2005, Custom Composite Technologies, Inc. (CCTI) has been developing lightweight, durable carbon fiber and fiberglass solutions for its customers around the world. A pioneer in advance composite technology and application, the company creates customized, high-performance solutions for industries and individuals with unique challenges. Their innovative techniques and advance composite materials are fabricated from their… Read more »
Quality Saw & Supply • 105 Restaurant & Lounge – West Enfield, Maine
Michael Brasslett, owner of Quality Saw & Supply in West Enfield, was sent to Business Advisor Tom Gallant by his banker in 2008. Specializing in the repair of saw blades and catering to Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Quality Saw was struggling financially – sawmills were closings, sales were down, business was slow, debts were mounting… Read more »